 | War poems with some others |  |
13
The Degenerates:
To Fuehrers and Verfuehrers
You deemed our empire overgrown and withering at the root,
Its parent city a grand place, your Bluecher said, to loot.
We had meant to be good neighbours, we praised your enterprise,
And never dreamed that welcomed guests were really well-trained spies.
Your aim was world-dominion, and we stood in your way—
A sterner fibre nerved us once but we had had our day.
Its parent city a grand place, your Bluecher said, to loot.
We had meant to be good neighbours, we praised your enterprise,
And never dreamed that welcomed guests were really well-trained spies.
Your aim was world-dominion, and we stood in your way—
A sterner fibre nerved us once but we had had our day.
Wherefore with specious falsehoods and eyes on our estate
Your envious millions were inspired to nurse a rabid hate.
You had branded us degenerates, but since we might resist
Weak nations first must learn to feel the weight of your mailed fist.
And all that man's long effort has 'stablished and reveres
You scorned and did not scruple to drown in blood and tears.
Your envious millions were inspired to nurse a rabid hate.
You had branded us degenerates, but since we might resist
14
And all that man's long effort has 'stablished and reveres
You scorned and did not scruple to drown in blood and tears.
Half Europe bides your menace now, and only air and sea
Where Britain guards the highway can make and keep her free.
Though all the rest may falter this People that I knew,
With sons and kin from oversea, to Britain staunch and true,
Heirs of a great tradition, will not belie her past
Upholding freedom's banner rock-steadfast to the last.
Where Britain guards the highway can make and keep her free.
Though all the rest may falter this People that I knew,
With sons and kin from oversea, to Britain staunch and true,
Heirs of a great tradition, will not belie her past
Upholding freedom's banner rock-steadfast to the last.
| War poems with some others | |